The activation of TRPA1 channels in the cochlea seems to be a protective mechanism—like wearing earplugs—that minimizes the exposure to sound.
Mouse Studies Tune Into Hearing Regeneration
In the non-sensory supporting cells of the inner ear, key genes required for conversion to sensory cells are shut off through a process known as epigenetic silencing. By studying how the genes are shut off, we begin to understand how we might turn them back on to regenerate hearing.
Brain Targets for Hearing Recovery After Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Our results hold the promise to advance understanding of the cortical mechanisms underlying disorders associated with maladaptive cortical plasticity after peripheral damage, such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, and difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
Potential Therapy for Blast-Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
These findings suggest that by inhibiting PARP1, a protein, it may be possible to maintain the health and survival of hair cells following blast injuries. The restoration of energy production from both mitochondria and glycolysis contributes to this protective effect.
Driven by Data and Collaboration
The collaborative spirit of our Hearing Restoration Project consortium is especially evident as we work together to complete a publication describing our analysis of hair cell gene expression.
Scientists Discover Repair Process That Fixes Damaged Hair Cells
The hair cells deploy a protein called XIRP2, which can sense damage to the cores that are made of a substance called actin. The researchers found that XIRP2 first senses damage, then migrates to the damage site and repairs the cores by filling in new actin.
Sounds Emitted by the Ear Provide a Window Onto the Cochlea’s Frequency Tuning
We demonstrated that sounds emitted by the ear—called otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), specifically distortion-product OAEs—may provide a noninvasive window onto cochlear frequency tuning. OAEs are a byproduct of the amplification process mediated by outer hair cells and are often measured in clinical hearing screenings.
Our Sincere Thanks to Peter Steyger, Ph.D.
HHF is dependent on and incredibly grateful to the clinicians and researchers like Peter who volunteer their time and expertise to reviewing grant applications, overseeing the Emerging Research Grants program, and informing our mission as the largest private, nonprofit funder of hearing and balance research in the U.S.
Staying in Tune: Music and Memories
Music can help to create rich and complex musical memories that are stored in multiple areas of the brain, which helps them become reinforced.
Neural Test Assesses Hearing Aid Success Among Young Patients
Our results demonstrated that neural responses were sensitive to the improved audibility provided by hearing aids among the 5- to 17-year-old children assessed.